Description of sailors to be selected:
Lieutenant Viollet: 21 years old. His father bought him a commission as a ship’s officer to give him something to do, since he is not very motivated.
Lieutenant Gironard*: Second in command and prize captain of 37 ships.
Morin*: First mate, 32 years old. Began as a ship’s boy at the age of 10. Became first mate 6 years ago.
Rousseau: First mate, 35 years old. Cousin is a captain. Former school teacher. Leading hand for two months now.
Provost*: Gunner, 23 years old. Deaf. Knows the guns in every ship in New France. Has even given them all names.
Pasquier: Gunner, 16 years old. Apprentice. His father wants him to overcome his fear of sudden noises.
Pinin*: Caulker, 28 years old. From France, he is able to caulk a ship’s hull in the middle of the ocean while hanging from a rope over the side.
Lemay: Côte-de-Beaupré fisherman, 17 years old.
Bluteau*: Sailmaker, 36 years old. Twenty years of experience making and repairing sails in Montreal.
Dupuy: Blacksmith, 23 years old. Builds wheel rims and barrel hoops.
Buisson*: Carpenter, 40 years old. Specializes in repairing hulls damaged by gunfire.
Barbotin: Fur trader, 25 years old. Sells pelts in Quebec City. Hopes to sell winter coats to the crew.
Captain’s voice: (AUDIO – NARRATION)
“We’ve already chosen some of our crew. I need a lieutenant, an experienced assistant I can rely on, who can replace me so I can get some sleep. Who amongst you is qualified?
“My sailors need a leader with an iron hand! They have to be told what to do and when to do it so that the ship rolls with the current! Which one of you is a solid and experienced boatswain?
“Fine. The guns need special care. A calm, courageous and able gunner is what I need. Anyone like that here?
“That’s not all. To sail the ship, I need strong arms. Arms that can repair any part of the ship, from the sails to the cannon holes (May God keep us!), and leaks in the planks. Among the six of you, we will choose the three best sailors.”
If the wrong people are selected, the captain objects (AUDIO-NARRATION):
“I don’t hire incompetent men!”
“He doesn’t even know the difference between port and starboard!”
“Is he going to save his own skin at the first skirmish? No thank you!”
“He has many qualities, but no sea legs!”
“I’ve seen tougher men… he’s already green around the gills and we haven’t even set sail yet!”
“Has he ever been on anything bigger than a rowboat?”
Sentences for correct answers:
“Oh, alright, good enough.”
“I can put my trust in him.”
“A little young, but he looks brave. Hired!”
“I’ve heard about him. Good choice.”
“You know how to pick the best.”
“He has a head on his shoulders, good hands and a stomach for adventure. Good work!”
Sentences from other crew members in roll over on photo of final crew
Captain Ménard*: 46 years old, commander of armed merchant ships and privateers since the age of 18.
Breton*: Cook, 30 years old. Ship’s cook for 5 years; began as an apprentice on a warship.
Fornelle*: Rope maker, 24 years old. Worked in a rope factory with his father and grandfather.
Labrèche*: Writer, 31 years old. Has taken care of the accounts, drafted reports and written down observations for the Admiralty for 6 years. Also writes the letters that sailors send home to their wives.
Magras*: Surgeon, 28 years old. Military surgeon, released from the forces due to a wound that prevents him from running.
Lemelin*: Pilot, 40 years old. Has navigated the Saint Lawrence with Captain Ménard for 20 years. Knows every current and crossing. |